David Alan German, formerly of Benton

David Alan German, dearly loved brother, born April 11, 1951, in Christopher, passed into his Heavenly home while on his knees, hands folded in prayer, on Dec. 12, 2021, at his home in Rockford. He was 70 years old.

David was the son of Tona O. (Struble) and Henry E. German Sr., who preceded him in death as well as three brothers, Henry E. German Jr., Thomas R. German and Donald G. German, and one brother-in-law, Douglas Rice.

David grew up in Benton. After graduating from Benton Consolidated High School in 1969, he went to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While there he married and had a son. He returned to southern Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University. He was employed by North Benton Baptist Church for 17 years, and also worked for Franklin WIlliamson Human Services as a crew supervisor. He later moved to Rockford. He was employed and recently retired from Syncreon, Inc. in Belvidere.

He is survived by one son, David E. German II, a grandson, four sisters, one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law. They are Joyce and John E. Conner of Watseka, T. Roberta Vietti of St. Paul, Minn., Maureen E. Rice of Benton, Sandra L. Zippe of Loves Park and Carol A. German of San Antonio, Texas.

David was the proud uncle of 13 nieces and nephews, Timothy German, Patrick German, Michael German, Joelle Conner Nelson, Jonica Conner Suver, Janessa Conner, Anthony Vietti, Peter Vietti, Joy Vietti Langenburg, Elisabeth Rice Fung, Daniel Rice, Shante` Zippe Mulder and Matthew Zippe. He is also survived by an aunt, Bette Struble of Watseka; an uncle, Sam Kraft of Benton; and numerous great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and friends.

David professed faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was a bi-vocational pastor of Forest Baptist Church of Benton for 14 years. He loved Jesus, his family, his friends, dogs, movies, fishing, backyard whiffle ball, baseball, especially the Dodgers, and he loved to make people laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service is being planned to celebrate David's life at a later date. He will be interred at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Morton and Johnston Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Carmi Baptist Children's home in Carmi.